small-claims court

[ smawl-kleymz ]

noun

1. a special court established to handle small claims or debts, usually without the services of lawyers.

small claims court

noun

1. a local court with jurisdiction to try civil actions involving small claims

Word History and Origins

Origin of small-claims court¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Cochran sued Matthews in small-claims court and won $2,855.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent years, he has also faced two eviction proceeds and lost a case in small-claims court and was ordered to pay $5,000 plus interest after borrowing money from a friend, the Times said in a second article.

From Washington Post

Ashanti had represented his wife in small-claims court in a dispute with her former employer, a nonprofit wholly owned by a city agency — a clear conflict of interest.

From Salon

Going to small-claims court, however, is a time-consuming barrier for many renters.

From Seattle Times

Even though attorneys aren’t allowed in small-claims court, renters can feel outgunned if going up against a landlord or property management company in front of a judge.

From Seattle Times